Removal of textile dyes from textile dye effluent using TBAB based aqueous biphasic systems

Aqueous biphasic systems (ABS) are useful for the extraction of dye molecules from aqueous solution. Thus, they can be used in textile dye bath effluent treatment. The partitioning behavior of two commercially used textile dyes-Cibacron Scarlet LS 2G and Astacryl Red 3B were investigated in a TBAB-salt aqueous biphasic systems. It was found that all three salts, namely sodium chloride, sodium sulphate and sodium carbonate, investigated caused partitioning of dye into the upper TBAB rich phase. The efficiency of separation increased in the order NaCl < Na2SO4 < Na2CO. It was found that the cationic dye partitioned better than the anionic dye in the system. A concentration of 5 g/l of dye was extracted into the upper layer. Alteration of solution pH did not cause any significant difference in distribution ratios. Studies were extended to actual dye bath effluent and small scale up studies carried out. Efficiencies of removal obtained in all cases were extremely good with maximum efficiencies above 98 %.